Heads-up Navigation for Seismic Data Acquisition

ABSTRACT

A method and system for acquiring seismic data from a seismic survey plan is provided. A survey area is selected in which the seismic data will be acquired. A coordinate for at least one point of interest within the survey area is determined and input into a portable navigation device. A navigation solution is determined between a GPS-determined location of the portable navigation device and the determined coordinate and thereupon presented in a human cognizable media. A seismic device may be positioned at the determined coordinate to insonify a subterranean formation with seismic energy or for detecting reflected seismic energy. Data may be periodically entered into and retrieved from the portable navigation device by an in-field operator. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application60/812,540 filed on Jun. 9, 2006, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Oil companies conduct seismic surveying to lower risk and to reducecosts of locating and developing new oil and gas reserves. Seismicsurveying is, therefore, an up front cost with intangible return value.Consequently minimizing the cost of seismic surveying and gettingquality results in minimum time are important aspects of the seismicsurveying process.

Seismic surveys are conducted by deploying a large array of seismicsensors over a surface portion of the earth. Typically, these arrayscover 50 square miles and may include 2000 to 5000 seismic sensors. Anenergy source (buried dynamite for example) is discharged within thearray and the resulting shock wave is an acoustic wave that propagatesthrough the subsurface structures of the earth. A portion of the wave isreflected at underground discontinuities, such as oil and gasreservoirs. These reflections are then sensed at the surface by thesensor array and recorded. Such sensing and recording are referred toherein as seismic data acquisition, which might also be performed in apassive mode without an active seismic energy source. A threedimensional map, or seismic image, of the subsurface structures isgenerated by moving the energy source to different locations whilecollecting data within the array. This map is then used to makedecisions about drilling locations, reservoir size and pay zone depth.

During use of seismic data acquisition systems, which involve the stagesof layout, shooting, and retrieval, the current technologies require a“heads down” approach to navigate a terrain underlying the seismicspread. That is, the field crew must continually reference a handhelddevice to determine their location. If the crew has difficulty findingthe location, time-consuming radio calls are made to the main surveystation for instructions. Moreover, radio contact is frequentlyinterrupted or inaccessible, further delaying the process.

The present disclosure addresses these and other shortcomings ofconventional seismic data acquisition systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for acquiringseismic data from a seismic survey plan. One aspect of the presentdisclosure provides a method for acquiring seismic data, including:selecting a survey area in which the seismic data will be acquired;determining a coordinate for at least one point of interest within thesurvey area; inputting the determined coordinate into a portablenavigation device; determining a navigation solution between adetermined location of the portable navigation device and the determinedcoordinate; and presenting the determined navigation solution in a humancognizable media. In one aspect, the at least one point of interest is alocation for a seismic device. The method further provides positioningthe seismic device at the determined coordinate. In one aspect theseismic device includes a seismic source, and the method furtherincludes activating the seismic source to insonify a subterraneanformation with seismic energy. In another aspect, the seismic device isa sensor station, and the method further includes detecting reflectedseismic energy at the sensor station. The seismic device may beretrieved from the location. The method further includes periodicallyentering data into the portable navigation device, the data representingat least one of: (i) a status of the mobile unit, (ii) a terraincharacteristic, (iii) a topography characteristic, (iv) a characteristicof the coordinate, and (v) an image of a surrounding terrain. Also, datamay be retrieved from the portable navigation device representing atleast one of: (i) a status of a mobile unit, (ii) a terraincharacteristic, (iii) a topography characteristic, (iv) a characteristicof the coordinate, and (v) an image, while retrieving a selected device.The determined coordinate may be associated with a location of one of:(i) a sensor station, (ii) a seismic source, (iii) a rendezvous point,(iv) a mobile unit, and (v) a power supply. In one aspect, thedetermined location may be obtained from a Global Positioning Satellite(GPS) device.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system foracquiring seismic data which includes: a database configured to containdata associated with a survey plan, the data containing at least onecoordinate associated with a point of interest; a computer configured toaccess the database; a portable navigation device configured to receivethe at least one coordinate from the computer; a device configured todetermine a location of the portable navigation device; a processorconfigured to determine a navigation solution from the determinedlocation and the at least one coordinate; and a presentation deviceconfigured to present the determined navigation solution in a humancognizable media. In one aspect, the data further contains a pluralityof coordinates, each of which is associated with a seismic device. Theportable navigation device may include a memory module configured toreceive data relating to at least one of: (i) a status of a mobile unit,(ii) a terrain characteristic, (iii) a topography characteristic, (iv) acharacteristic of the coordinate, and (v) an image of a surroundingterrain. The determined coordinate may be associated with one of: (i) asensor station, (ii) a seismic source, (iii) a rendezvous point, (iv) amobile unit, and (v) a power supply. In one aspect, the device fordetermining the location of the portable navigation device is a GlobalPositioning Satellite (GPS) device.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer-readablemedium containing a computer program that when executed by a processorperforms a method for guiding a mobile unit in a geographical area ofinterest. The computer program includes instructions to instructions toobtain a location for at least one seismic device from a survey plandatabase; instructions to obtain a location of the mobile unit from alocation sensor carried by the mobile unit; instructions to determine anavigation solution for guiding the mobile unit to the at least oneseismic device; and instructions to send the navigation solution to anoutput device to present the navigation solution in a human cognizablemedia. In one aspect, the computer-readable medium also includesinstructions to obtain coordinates related to the mobile unit from aGlobal Positioning Satellite (GPS) device. In another aspect, thecomputer-readable medium includes instructions to obtain from aknowledge database geographical data related to at least one of: (i)legal boundaries; (ii) transit routes; (iii) a layout of a seismicspread; (iv) crew schedules; (iv) preset rendezvous points; (v) supportareas. In another aspect, the survey plan database includes one of: (i)a GIS database; and (ii) a historical seismic survey database. Inanother aspect the output device includes one of a visual display and anaudio speaker.

It should be understood that examples of the more important features ofthe disclosure have been summarized rather broadly in order thatdetailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, andin order that the contributions to the art may be appreciated. Thereare, of course, additional features of the disclosure that will bedescribed hereinafter and will form the subject of the claims appendedhereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this disclosure, as well as the disclosure itself,will be best understood from the attached drawings, taken along with thefollowing description, in which similar reference characters refer tosimilar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one cable-based seismic dataacquisition system that may be deployed with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a conceptual representation of a wireless seismic dataacquisition system that may be deployed with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3A shows a schematic representation of the system of FIG. 2 in moredetail;

FIG. 3B shows one embodiment of a wireless station unit having anintegrated seismic sensor;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a wireless station unitaccording to the present disclosure incorporating circuitry to interfacewith an analog output sensor unit;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing one exemplary heads-up navigationmethod according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic presentation of an exemplary heads-up navigationdevice according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary integrated navigation system for providing anavigation solution to an in-field operator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In aspects, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods forcontrolling activities relating to seismic data acquisition. The presentdisclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. There areshown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specificembodiments of the present disclosure with the understanding that thepresent disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of theprinciples of the disclosure, and is not intended to limit thedisclosure to that illustrated and described herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a cable-based seismic data acquisition system 100. Thesystem 100 includes an array (string) of spaced-apart seismic sensorunits 102. Each string of sensors is typically coupled via cabling to adata acquisition device (field box) 103, and several data acquisitiondevices and associated string of sensors are coupled via cabling 110 toform a line 108, which is then coupled via cabling 110 to a line tap or(crossline unit) 104. Several crossline units and associated lines areusually coupled together and then to a central controller 106 housing amain recorder (not shown). The typical sensor unit 102 in use today is avelocity geophone used to measure acoustic wave velocity traveling inthe earth. Recently, and as noted above, acceleration sensors(accelerometers) are finding more widespread acceptance for measuringacceleration associated with the acoustic wave. Each sensor unit mightinclude a single sensor element or more than one sensor element formulti-component seismic sensor units. The sensors 102 are usually spacedat least on the order of tens of meters, e.g., 13.8-220.0 feet. Each ofthe crossline units 104 typically performs some signal processing andthen stores the processed signals as seismic information for laterretrieval as explained above. The crossline units 104 are each coupled,either in parallel or in series with one of the units 104 a serving asan interface with between the central controller 106 and all crosslineunits 104.

Referring initially to FIG. 2 there is shown one seismic survey dataacquisition system that utilizes wireless communication technology. Thesystem 200 includes a central controller 202 in direct communicationwith each of a number of wireless sensor stations 208 forming an array(spread) 210 for seismic data acquisition. Each sensor station 208includes one or more sensors 212 for sensing seismic energy. Directcommunication as used herein refers to individualized data flow asdepicted in FIG. 2 by dashed arrows. The data flow can be bi-directionalto allow one or more of: transmitting command and control instructionsfrom the central controller 202 to each wireless sensor station 208;exchanging quality control data between the central controller 202 andeach wireless sensor station 208; and transmitting status signals,operating conditions and/or selected pre-processed seismic informationfrom each wireless sensor station 208 to the central controller 202. Thecommunication might be in the form of radio signals transmitted andreceived at the central controller 202 via a suitable antenna 204. Thesystem 200 may operate in a passive mode by sensing natural or randomseismic energy traveling in the earth. The term “seismic devices” meansany device that is used in a seismic spread, including, but not limitedto, sensors, sensor stations, receivers, transmitters, power supplies,control units, etc.

The system 200 may operate in an active mode using a seismic energysource 206, e.g., pyrotechnic source, vibrator truck, compressed gas,etc., to provide seismic energy of a known magnitude and sourcelocation. In many applications, multiple seismic energy sources can beutilized to impart seismic energy into a subterranean formation. Arepresentative seismic energy source is designated with numeral 206 i.Typically, activation (or more commonly, “shooting” or “firing”) of thesource 206 i is initiated locally by a mobile unit 502 i. In oneembodiment, the mobile unit 502 i includes a human operator who mayutilize a navigation tool 504 i to navigate to a source 206 i and asource controller 506 i to fire the source 206 i. To navigate theterrain and to determine precise location coordinates, the navigationtool 504 i can be equipped with a global positioning satellite device(GPS device) and/or a database having predetermined coordinates (e.g., zcoordinates). It should be understood that a GPS device is merelyillustrative of sensors that may be utilized to determine a position orlocation of a device or point of interest. Other devices may includeinertial navigation devices, compasses, the Global NavigationalSatellite System (GNSS), or suitable system for obtaining position orlocation parameters. The navigation tool 514 i can also be configured toprovide audible or visual signals such as alarms or status indicationsrelating to the firing activity. The source controller 506 i can beprogrammed to receive or transmit information such as instructions toready the source 206 i for firing, instructions or permission to firethe source 206 i, data indicative of the location of the mobile unit 502i, the arming status of the source 206 i, and data such as return shotattributes. The source controller 506 i can also be programmed to firethe source 206 i and provide an indication (e.g., visual or auditory) tothe human operator as to the arming status of the source 206 i. Often,two or more mobile units 502 i independently traverse the terrainunderlying the spread 210 to locate and fire the sources 206 i. In oneconfiguration, the source controller 506 i relies on the navigation tool504 i to transmit the GPS data to the controller 202 or central stationcomputer 500 (described below), either of which transmit the “arm” and“fire” signals to the source controller 506 i. These signals are digitalsignals or suitable analog signals in contrast to the voice signalscurrently in use. The source controller 506 i can include a display toadvise the shooter of the status of the firing activity.

The controller 202, the central station computer (CSC) 500 and a centralserver 520 exert control over the constituent components of the system200 and direct both human and machine activity during the operation ofthe system 200. As discussed in greater detail below, the CSC 500automates the shooting of the sources 206 i and transmits data thatenables the sensor stations 208 to self-select an appropriate powerusage state during such activity. The server 520 can be programmed tomanage data and activities over the span of the seismic campaign, whichcan include daily shooting sequences, updating the shots acquired,tracking shooting assets, storing seismic data, pre-processing seismicdata and broadcasting corrections. Of course, a single controller can beprogrammed to handle most if not all of the above described functions.For example, the CSC 500 can be positioned in or integral with thecontroller 202. Moreover, in some applications it may be advantageous toposition the controller 202 and CSC 500 in the field, albeit indifferent locations, and the server 520 at a remote location.

FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of the system 200 in more detail.The central controller 202 includes a computer 300 having a processor302 and a memory 303. An operator can interface with the system 200using a keyboard 306 and mouse or other input 308 and an output devicesuch as a monitor 310. Communication between remotely-located systemcomponents in the spread 210 and the central controller 202 isaccomplished using a central transmitter-receiver (transceiver) unit 312disposed in the central controller 202 along with an antenna 314.

The central controller 202 communicates with each wireless sensorstation 208. Each wireless sensor station 208 shown includes a wirelessstation unit 316, an antenna 318 compatible with the antenna 314 usedwith the central controller 202, and a sensor unit 320 responsive toacoustic energy traveling in the earth co-located with a correspondingwireless sensor station. Co-located, as used herein, means disposed at acommon location with one component being within a few feet of the other.Therefore, each sensor unit 320 can be coupled to a correspondingwireless station unit by a relatively short cable 322, e.g., about 1meter in length, or coupled by integrating a sensor unit 320 with thewireless station unit 316 in a common housing 324 as shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a wireless station unit 400according to the present disclosure that operates as a data recorderincorporating circuitry to interface with an analog output sensor unit(not shown). In other embodiments, the wireless station unit 400 canincorporate circuitry to interface with a digital output sensor unit asdiscussed in co-pending and commonly assign U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/664,566 which is hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The wireless station unit 400 is an acquisition device thatincludes a sensor interface 402 to receive an output signal from thesensor unit. The sensor interface 402 shown includes a protectioncircuit, switch network, a preamplifier, a test oscillator, and ADC anddigital filtering circuits to pre-process the received signal. Thesensor interface 402 is controlled in part by a field programmable gatearray (FPGA) and/or an ASIC controller circuit 404. An on-board localprocessor 406 processes the signal to create storable informationindicative of the seismic energy sensed at the sensor unit. Theinformation can be in digital form for storage in a storage device 408,also referred to herein as a memory unit. The memory unit can beremovable as shown at 408 and/or dedicated 408 a with a coupling 410 forproviding access to the stored information and/or for transferring thestored information to an external storage unit 411. The coupling 410might be a cable coupling as shown or the coupling might be an inductivecoupling or an optical coupling. Such couplings are known and thus arenot described in detail.

The memory 408, 408 a can be a nonvolatile memory of sufficient capacityfor storing information for later collection or transmission. The memorymight be in the form of a memory card, removable miniature hard diskdrive, an Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)or the like.

Interface with the central controller 202 is accomplished with acommunication device such as an on-board transmitter-receiver circuit412, and an antenna 414 selected for the desired transmitting/receivingfrequency to provide direct communication with the remotely-locatedcentral controller 202. The transmitter/receiver circuit 412 shown is adirect conversion receiver/synthesizer/transmitter circuit and canalternatively be implemented as a software defined radio transceiver.Alternatively, the transmitter/receiver circuit 412 might be anysuitable circuit providing transceiver functions such as a transceiverutilizing superheterodyne technology, for example. The antenna 414 caninclude a VHF/UHF antenna. Other circuitry might include a radiofrequency (RF) front end circuit 416 and a power amplifier 418 forenhancing communication with the central controller 202. These circuitsmight advantageously be in the form of a removable radio band module 419to allow operation over a broad frequency band when used withreplaceable antennas. A direct conversion radio transceiver provides theadvantages of operation over a broad frequency band, allows smalleroverall size for the station unit 400, and reduces overall weight forfield-transportable units.

Local power is provided by a power supply circuit 420 that includes anon-board rechargeable battery 422. The battery 422 might be of anysuitable chemistry and might be nickel-metal hydride (NMH), alithium-ion or lithium-polymer rechargeable battery of adequate size forthe particular application. The battery provides an output to a powersupply 424 to condition and regulate power to downstream circuits andthe power supply output is coupled to a power control circuit 426 fordistributing power to various local components. The wireless stationunit 400 also includes power management circuitry 421 that shifts thestation unit 400 between one or more selected levels of power use: e.g.,a sleep mode wherein only the “wake” circuitry is energized to ahigh-active mode wherein the receiver can detect seismic energy.

The power circuit 420 further includes a charging device 428 and chargerinterface 430 for coupling the charging device 428 to an external powersource 431. A charge indicator 432 provides an indication of amount ofcharge and/or charging time remaining for the power circuit 420. Suchindicators are somewhat common and further description is not necessaryhere.

Location parameters (e.g., latitude, longitude, azimuth, inclination,etc.) associated with a particular wireless sensor station help tocorrelate data acquired during a survey. These parameters determinedprior to a survey using an expected sensor location and nominal sensororientation and the parameters can be adjusted according to the presentdisclosure. The location parameters are stored in a memory 303, 408either in the central controller or in the station unit 400. In oneembodiment, the wireless sensor station includes a global positioningsystem (GPS) receiver 434 and associated antenna 436. The GPS receiverin this embodiment is shown coupled to the processor 406 and to a clockcircuit 438 to provide location parameters such as position and locationdata for correlating seismic information and for synchronizing dataacquisition. Alternatively, location parameters can be transmitted toand stored in the central controller and synchronization may beaccomplished by sending signals over the VHF/UHF radio link independentof the GPS. Therefore, the on-board GPS can be considered an optionalfeature of the disclosure. Location parameters associated with sensororientation can be determined by accelerometers and/or magnetic sensorsand/or manually.

In one embodiment, a wake up circuit 444 allows the wireless stationunit to control power consumption from the battery throughout differentoperating modes. The wake up circuit 444 can be triggered from twosources; the radio receiver 412 or the clock 438. In a low power mode,for example, power is applied only to the radio receiver 412 and thewake up circuit 444. If a specific wake-up command is transmitted overthe radio and decoded by the wake-up circuit, other circuits such as theprocessor 406 will be enabled and come on-line to support furtherprocessing of commands and signals received from the sensor unit.Alternatively the wake-up circuit could energize the radio receiver 412at predetermined time intervals as measured by signals received from theclock 438. At these intervals the radio receiver would be enabledbriefly for receiving commands, and if none are received within theenabled time period, the receiver 412 will power down, eitherautonomously or by command from the wake up circuit.

In one embodiment, the function of motion sensing is accomplished withthe same sensor unit 208 as is performing the seismic energy sensingfunction. In the embodiment described above and referring to FIG. 3Bhaving the sensor unit integrated into the wireless station unit, theseismic sensor output will necessarily include components associatedwith the desired sensed seismic activity as well as sensed componentsassociated with unwanted movement. The output is processed inconjunction with the output signal from the GPS receiver to indicateunwanted station movement. Thus, an output signal transmitted to thecentral controller 202 might include information relating to unwantedmovement as well as seismic information, state of health information orother information relating to a particular wireless station unit 316and/or sensor unit 320.

In several alternative embodiments, methods of the present disclosureare used to sense, record and transfer information from a seismic sensorlocation to a central recorder. In one embodiment, a wireless stationunit substantially as described above and shown in FIG. 4. Each wirelesssensor station is transported to a predetermined spread location. Uponarriving at the location, viability of the location is determined inreal time based on the terrain, obstacles borders etc. The location isadjusted where necessary and feasible. If adjusted, location parameters(e.g., latitude, longitude, azimuth, inclination, etc.) associated withthe particular wireless sensor station so adjusted are determined andentered as updated system parameters. In one embodiment, theseparameters are determined using a GPS receiver to determine the actuallocation of the planted sensor unit. Other parameters might bedetermined with a manual compass used by the crew or by one or moremagnetometers in the sensor unit. Parameters might also be determinedusing multi-component accelerometers for determining orientation of theplanted sensor unit. In one embodiment the updated system parameters areentered by the field crew in the wireless sensor station unit itself. Inone embodiment, the updated system parameters are entered at the centralcontroller. In another embodiment, the updated system parameters areentered automatically upon system activation and sensor station wake-upusing location parameters and orientation parameters determined by a GPSreceiver, accelerometers, magnetometers, and/or other sensors disposedin the station or sensor unit or both.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the wireless system 200 includes a centralcontroller 202 remotely located from a plurality of station units 208.Each station unit 208 includes a sensor unit 320 remotely located fromthe central controller 202. Each sensor unit 320 is coupled to the earthfor sensing seismic energy in the earth, which might be natural seismicenergy or energy produced from a seismic source 206. The sensor unit 320provides a signal indicative of the sensed seismic energy and a recorderdevice 316 co-located with the sensor unit receives the signal storesinformation indicative of the received signal in a memory unit 408disposed in the recorder device 316. A communication device 412 isco-located with the sensor unit and the recorder device for providingdirect two-way wireless communication with the central controller.

During the various stages of deploying the seismic acquisition datasystem shown in FIGS. 1-4, as well as other conventional seismic dataacquisition systems, the human operators making up a seismic survey creware typically required to (i) place the field equipment in the correctlocation then (ii) be able to quickly and safely locate that equipmentat any time. The present disclosure provides methods and devices thatguide a human operator to a specified position or coordinate for eachseismic survey source, sensor station or other device during layout andto guide the human operator back to each device's location during“shooting,” retrieval, field repair or replacement, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5, there is shown one exemplary method 600for guiding a mobile unit 502 i, typically a human operator, to aselected coordinate. At step 602, a set of navigation data is collectedor assembled. The term “navigation data” includes any data that could beused to guide the human operator to a target location. Exemplarynavigation data includes, but is not limited to: the target coordinates(e.g., X, Y and/or Z coordinates) of seismic devices such as sensorstations 208, sources 206 i, power supplies (not shown); data relatingto the topography or other geographical feature of the terrain to betraversed by the mobile unit 502 i; data relating to the legalboundaries; data relating to preferred transit routes or corridors oftravel; data relating to the layout of the seismic spread; data relatingto crew activities, work plans, and schedules; data relating to presetrendezvous points; and data relating to support areas such as supplydepots, hospitals, shelters, landing sites, etc. At step 604, thenavigation data is loaded into a memory module that can be accessed byan appropriately programmed processor such as a navigation tool 208 i.At step 606, the processor accesses the memory module to select a targetdestination. In some embodiments, the target destination or thecoordinates of the target destination is preprogrammed in the navigationdata. In other embodiments, the target destination or the coordinates ofthe target destination are received from a source other than the memorymodule, e.g., a separate processor, another mobile unit or a remotelylocated GPS device. At step 608 the processor determines the currentlocation of the mobile unit 502 i in the field. At step 610, theprocessor determines a navigation solution using the determined mobileunit location, the location of the target destination, and any additioninformation in the navigation data such as route restrictions, preferredpaths, expected hazards, etc. At step 612, the processor provides themobile unit 502 i with a navigation solution that guides the mobile unit502 i to the target destination. By navigation solution, it is meant asignal that contains an instruction that initiates and/or controlsmovement of the human operator. For example, a navigation solution canbe a signal that is understood to mean “maintain current direction,”“turn left” or “turn right,” etc. The navigation solution can alsoinclude proximity information such as “near” or “far”. Thus, a humanoperator by complying with the navigation solution can reach the targetlocation or coordinate without having to independently ascertain whichdirection to proceed to reach the target coordinate. Of course, somehuman analysis may be needed to circumvent unexpected hazards orobstacles, but such analysis is performed in an effort to comply withthe navigation solution. At step 614, the processor determines whetheranother navigation solution is needed. For example, this determinationcan be based on a preset radius of proximity of a mobile unit 502 i to atarget location. If the processor determines that the target locationhas not been reached, then the processor returns to step 608. If theprocessor determines at step 614 that the target coordinate has beenreached, then at step 616 the processor determines whether any targetdestinations remain. If additional target destinations remain, then theprocessor returns to step 606. If there are no additional targetdestinations, then the method ends at step 618. As can be appreciated,the navigation solution can be updated continuously, periodically, uponprompting, or on a preset schedule.

The method 600 can be used during any phase of the seismic dataacquisition activity; including, initial surveying of a geographicalarea, placing seismic devices such as sensor stations and sources,guiding a human operator to a seismic source to shoot sources, andretrieving the seismic devices. Further, the method 600 can be employedfor tasks other than locating seismic devices. For example, targetdestinations can include a hospital, a supply depot, a rendezvous point,a shelter, another mobile unit, office buildings, a roadway, or anyother location or destination that a human operator or crew member mayseek for any reason.

It should be appreciated that by utilizing the above-describedmethodology, human operators can steadily move toward the destinationwhile keeping their heads up and their eyes on the desired path. This ispossible because the human operator does not have to determine anavigation solution in-situ. That is, the human operator does not haveto consult a map, a GPS device or other navigation aid to ascertain acourse or direction to a target coordinate. Rather, as explained above,this navigation solution is automatically calculated and provided to thehuman operator in a manner that does not impair the human operator'svisual contact with the terrain. Thus, delays caused by referencing amap and/or handheld device and the time and effort required to get acrew to an assigned position can be significantly reduced. Moreover,looking forward enables crew members to see potential hazards as theynear them.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6, there is shown one embodiment of a“heads up” navigation device 650 made in accordance with the presentdisclosure that presents a navigation solution to a human operator. Thenavigation device 650 includes a processor that communicates with amemory module 654 loaded with navigation data, a GPS device 656 thatprovides location coordinates for the human operator, and with apresentation device 658 that presents a navigation solution 660 in ahuman cognizable media to the human operator. The processor 652 can bein the navigation tool 504 i carried by the human operator.Alternatively, the processor 652 can be positioned in a centralcontroller 202 or even a remote server 520. The processor 652 caninclude a suitable transceiver to provide a communication link. Suitablecommunication media include wireless transmissions as well as wiremedia. The processor 652 is programmed with executable instructions thatcalculate a navigation solution using a location of the human operatoras determined by the GPS device 656 and the target coordinate. In someembodiments, the target coordinate(s) are preprogrammed into thenavigation data of the memory module 654. In other embodiments, thetarget coordinate(s) can be retrieved by a suitably positioned GPSdevice (not shown) at a selected target location. The memory module 654can include computer-readable media such as hard drives, flash drives,CD-ROM, ROM, RAM and other such media. As discussed previously, thenavigation data can include any data that could be displayed, processedor otherwise utilized to formulate a navigation solution that guides thehuman operator to a target coordinate.

The presentation device 658 can present the navigation solution 660 tothe human operator such that the human operator maintains visual contactwith a terrain being traversed. In some embodiments, the presentationdevice 658 employs a human cognizable media to convey the navigationsolution 600 to the human operator. One suitable cognizable media isvisual signals. Exemplary devices for presenting a visual signal includehelmet mounted single eye-piece displays, visor-type single eye-piecedisplays, eyewear enabling displays for both eyes, and vehicleprojection displays. Such displays can include near-eye occludeddisplays, “real screen” rear projected displays, and substantiallytransparent screens that display the determined navigation solution. Avisual presentation device 658 can conveniently display pertinentinformation on a survey, e.g., topography, boundaries, equipmentlocation, etc., as well as navigate to a point via mobile visualdisplays. Furthermore, robust digital displays in vehicles or onwearable headgear can indicate boundaries, restrictions, and hazardsbefore they come into sightline. Suitable displays can also be used onvehicle windshields for vehicle guidance. Another human cognizable mediaare audio signals. Exemplary devices for presenting an audio signalencoded with the determined navigation solution include ear phones, headsets or surround sound helmets. The audio signal can employ several dataencoding formats schemes to convey the navigation solution to the humanoperator, including, but not limited to, frequency variation, volumevariation, tone variation, period variation, and pitch variation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary integrated navigation system 700 forproviding a navigation solution to an in-field operator. The navigationsystem includes a central computer 702 providing a database representinga survey area, a portable navigation device 704 in wirelesscommunication with the central computer for receiving a portion of thesurvey area and for providing a navigation solution over the receivedportion, and a presentation device 706 to present the navigationsolution to the operator in a human cognizable format.

The central computer 702 includes a database representative of a surveyarea 710. The database includes location information such as x- andy-coordinates, for example, of sensor stations 712 and seismic sources714. Additional items of interest 716 may include a home base, a firstaid station, a river, etc. which may also be represented in thedatabase. The central computer 702 may also include data used to manageactivities over the span of the seismic campaign, which can includedaily shooting sequences, shooting assets, historical data, seismic datafrom previous seismic campaigns, GIS information, etc. A geographicinformation system (GIS) is a system for capturing, storing, analyzingand managing data and associated attributes which are spatiallyreferenced to the earth. The central computer is in communication withthe portable navigation device via a wireless link established byantenna 719. In one aspect, the central computer may provide thenavigation device with a selected portion 718 of the survey area.

The portable navigation device 704 includes a memory 720 for storing thereceived portion of the survey area, a location module such as a GPSmodule 722 for providing a current location of the operator, and aprocessor 724 for determining a navigation solution between the currentlocation and a selected destination location in the received portion ofthe survey area. In one aspect, the processor provides a straight-linenavigation between the current location and the selected destinationlocation. In another aspect, the processor provides a navigationsolution taking into consideration various aspects of the survey area,such as rough or private property, difficult terrain, including rivers,ponds, precipitous mountainsides, etc. Antenna 728 provides a wirelesscommunication link to the central computer. Antenna 725 receiveslocation information, such as GPS information, from a location sensor,such as a GPS system, to the portable navigation device. The navigationdevice further includes presentation electronics 726 for converting anavigation solution into a form presentable to a human operator.

The portable navigation device further includes a computer-readablemedium containing a computer program that can be executing by theprocessor to perform several instructions to guide a mobile unit in ageographical area of interest. The instructions include: obtaining alocation for at least one seismic device from a survey plan database;obtaining a location of the mobile unit from a location sensor carriedby the mobile unit; determining a navigation solution for guiding themobile unit to the at least one seismic device; and sending thenavigation solution to an output device to present the navigationsolution in a human cognizable media. Coordinates related to the mobileunit may be obtained, for example, from a Global Positioning Satellite(GPS) device or other suitable positioning device. The geographical datamay be obtained from a knowledge database and may include informationthat relates to at least one of: (i) legal boundaries; (ii) transitroutes; (iii) a layout of a seismic spread; (iv) crew schedules; (iv)preset rendezvous points; (v) support areas. The survey plan databasemay include a GIS database, a historical seismic survey database, orother related databases. The output device includes the presentationdevice 706 which includes a visual display 730 and an audio speaker 732.

The presentation device 706 may include a visual display such as a setof glasses 730 and can be worn by the operator having electroniccircuitry for presenting the visual display of the navigation solution.The presentation device may also include audio speakers such as the setof earphones 732 to provide an audio presentation of the navigationsolution. The presentation device is generally in communication with theportable navigation system via an electrical wire 729.

The foregoing description is directed to particular embodiments of thepresent disclosure for the purpose of illustration and explanation. Itwill be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that manymodifications and changes to the embodiment set forth above are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. It is intended thatthe following claims be interpreted to embrace all such modificationsand changes.

1. A method for conducting a seismic survey, comprising: (a) selecting asurvey area in which the seismic data will be acquired; (b) determininga coordinate for the at least one seismic device within the survey area;(c) inputting the determined coordinate into a portable navigationdevice; (d) determining a navigation solution between a determinedlocation of the portable navigation device and the determinedcoordinate; and (e) presenting the determined navigation solution in ahuman cognizable media.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the seismicdevice is a seismic source, and further comprising activating theseismic source to insonify a subterranean formation with seismic energy.3. The method of claim 1 wherein the seismic device is a sensor station.4. The method of claim 3, and further comprising detecting reflectedseismic energy at the sensor station.
 5. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising positioning the seismic device at the determined coordinate.6. The method of claim 5 further comprising retrieving the seismicdevice.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising periodicallyentering data into the portable navigation device, the data representingat least one of: (i) a status of the mobile unit, (ii) a terraincharacteristic, (iii) a topography characteristic, (iv) a characteristicof the coordinate, and (v) an image of a surrounding terrain.
 8. Themethod of claim 7 further comprising retrieving data from the portablenavigation device representing at least one of: (i) a status of a mobileunit, (ii) a terrain characteristic, (iii) a topography characteristic,(iv) a characteristic of the coordinate, and (v) an image, whileretrieving a selected device.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein thedetermined coordinate is associated with a location of one of: (i) asensor station, (ii) a seismic source, (iii) a rendezvous point, (iv) amobile unit, and (v) a power supply.
 10. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising obtaining the determined location of the portable navigationdevice from a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device.
 11. A systemfor conducting a seismic survey, comprising: (a) a database configuredto contain data associated with a survey plan, the data containing atleast one coordinate associated with a point of interest; (b) a computerconfigured to access the database; (c) a portable navigation deviceconfigured to receive the at least one coordinate from the computer; (d)a device configured to determine a location of the portable navigationdevice; (e) a processor configured to determine a navigation solutionfrom the determined location and the at least one coordinate; and (f) apresentation device configured to present the determined navigationsolution in a human cognizable media.
 12. The system of claim 11,wherein the data further contains a plurality of coordinates, each ofwhich is associated with a seismic device.
 13. The system of claim 11wherein the portable navigation device further comprises a memory moduleconfigured to receive data relating to at least one of: (i) a status ofa mobile unit, (ii) a terrain characteristic, (iii) a topographycharacteristic, (iv) a characteristic of the coordinate, and (v) animage of a surrounding terrain.
 14. The system of claim 11 wherein thedetermined coordinate is associated with one of: (i) a sensor station,(ii) a seismic source, (iii) a rendezvous point, (iv) a mobile unit, and(v) a power supply.
 15. The system of claim 11 wherein the deviceconfigured to determine a location of the portable navigation device isa Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device.
 16. A computer-readablemedium containing a computer program that when executed by a processorperforms a method for guiding a mobile unit in a geographical area ofinterest, the computer program comprising: instructions to obtain alocation for at least one seismic device from a survey plan database;instructions to obtain a location of the mobile unit from a locationsensor carried by the mobile unit; instructions to determine anavigation solution for guiding the mobile unit to the at least oneseismic device; and instructions to send the navigation solution to anoutput device to present the navigation solution in a human cognizablemedia.
 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16 further comprisinginstructions to obtain coordinates related to the mobile unit from aGlobal Positioning Satellite (GPS) device.
 18. The computer-readablemedium of claim 16 further comprising instructions to obtain from aknowledge database geographical data related to at least one of: (i)legal boundaries; (ii) transit routes; (iii) a layout of a seismicspread; (iv) crew schedules; (iv) preset rendezvous points; (v) supportareas.
 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 16 wherein the surveyplan database includes one of: (i) a GIS database; and (ii) a historicalseismic survey database.
 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 16wherein the output device includes one of a visual display and an audiospeaker.